EPA plans groundwater cleanup for Puerto Rico Superfund site

NEW YORK — Sampling revealed that volatile organic compounds were present in public water supply wells, soil and groundwater.

NEW YORK — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposal to address contaminated soil and groundwater at a Superfund site in Puerto Rico, according to a press release.

Sampling at the San German site revealed that volatile organic compounds, including PCE, were present in public water supply wells, soil and groundwater, noted the release. Health impacts from PCE can include liver damage and increased cancer risk.

The EPA investigated more than 44 industrial sites, reported the release. The proposal divides cleanup into two phases, the first addressing soil and shallow, contaminated groundwater, and the second dealing with groundwater throughout the site.

The plan involves the use of pumps and other methods to remove pollutants, shared the release. The EPA will conduct studies to determine the system’s design and whether caps should be installed to limit how much rainwater can soak into the ground.

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